NILES Voters have final say in betting parlor issue

By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Trumbull County voters will be asked Nov. 6 to decide the fate of an off-track betting parlor.
Hope for the Valley, a clergy-based group, has jumped into the fray against gaming interests that applied for a state license to operate at a parlor in Eastwood Mall.
Seeking the license is Northfield Park Associates, owners of a harness racing track near Cleveland. The mall parlor would receive simulcast harness and thoroughbred races from around the world on which patrons could place bets.
The issue on the ballot proposes a ban on wagering on simulcast horse races for five years throughout the county.
Although Northfield isn't mounting a campaign, Hope for the Valley is.
Getting the word out: The Rev. John Temple said the organization is using lawn signs, word of mouth and mailers.
"It's political stuff. You've got to get the word out," said the Rev. Mr. Temple of North-Mar Church of the Christian Missionary Alliance.
Mr. Temple said that although political candidates can't be endorsed from the pulpit, "moral issues" can be explained and gambling is a moral issue.
Norma Williams, director of the Trumbull County Board of Elections, said the five-year limit is the longest gambling can be prohibited by state law.
If the issue is defeated, there still may not be a gaming parlor at the mall.
Horse track disapproves: A year ago, the Ohio Racing Commission approved Northfield's application for the license to operate at the mall, but it was unable to win an OK from Thistledown race track.
When there is a track within 50 miles of a proposed parlor site, state law requires that the track give its approval. Thistledown is in North Randall.
In a Nov. 3 letter, Thistledown informed Northfield: "Thistledown will not consent to the Niles parlor at this time."
David Bianconi, Northfield spokesman, said Northfield is "paying attention" to the issue, but noted that the Niles parlor is moot unless Thistledown approves it.
Mr. Temple explained that his group isn't just sitting back to watch the outcome. Hope for the Valley is actively campaigning for the prohibition.
The reason, he said, is because Northfield could find a spot more than 50 miles from Thistledown, thereby eliminating the need for that track's approval, and still be in Trumbull County.
"We don't want satellite off-track betting in our county at all," he said, adding that wagering has a negative impact on the economy, families and children.